Water Security Agency steps up to help drought-stricken farmers

Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is taking steps to help farmers and ranchers who are dealing with drought.

On Monday, the WSA announced it’s making water and vacant land for feed supplies available to those producers.

“We recognize the serious challenges Saskatchewan producers are currently facing due to ongoing dry conditions in many areas,” Minister of Agriculture David Marit said in a media release.

“We’re moving quickly at every level to investigate additional relief options such as this one by WSA, while our existing business risk management programs such as AgriInvest, AgriStability and AgriInsurance continue to be a primary line of defence for producers.”

“With deteriorating conditions due to prolonged drought, feed availability is a top priority for producers looking to maintain their herds,” added Keith Day, the chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. “Any solutions that bring more feed online for livestock to access is welcome, and this is another option for those in need.”

According to the government, producers near WSA lands can contact the agency to see if underused or vacant lands are available. As well, producers now don’t need to get a water rights licence when hauling water from a municipal supply like an RM tankload facility.

“If you own or occupy land near water like deep or shallow wells, springs, lakes, sloughs, streams, creeks and rivers and want to use it for watering stock or spraying crops, no permit is needed,” the release said.

The release added the WSA also will be prioritizing the licence applications by farmers and ranchers, providing the licences without 48 hours or less. Hauling water from a WSA reservoir or other provincial water supply usually needs a temporary water rights licence.

More information is available by calling 1-866-727-5420 or emailing client.service@wsask.ca.